Job vacancy: Whole School SEND (“WSS”) Regional SEND Leader - East of England

Join our Regional Whole School SEND Teams – help shape the future of SEND 

Whole School SEND is expanding its regional teams, and we are looking for experienced SEND leaders to step into seconded Regional SEND Leader positions. 

As a Regional SEND Leader, you will lead the strategic delivery of the DfE’s Universal SEND Services programme across your region, enabling schools and colleges to embed inclusive practice and improve outcomes for learners with SEND. Working closely with national and regional partners, you will shape regional priorities, oversee professional networks, guide system level SEND development and champion the use of evidence based practice. 

These roles are ideal for experienced SEND leaders who: 

• already think beyond one school 

• have strong professional networks across their region 

• are confident working with senior leaders, MATs, local authorities and other partners 

• want to shape policy and practice at a national level 

• value collaboration, knowledge exchange and inclusive leadership 

You might currently be: 

• a MAT SEND / Inclusion Director or Lead 

• a trustwide SENCo / Inclusion Lead 

• a local authority SEND leader 

• an experienced SENCo influencing across multiple schools 

• a system leader with credibility and influence in your region 

This role is offered on a secondment basis. This means the successful applicant will remain employed by their current organisation, and Whole School SEND (through nasen) will reimburse the employer for the time the individual spends undertaking Regional SEND Leader duties. The secondment fee of £550 per day is paid directly to the employing organisation, ensuring there is no financial loss to the school, trust or local authority releasing the colleague for this work. 

The Regional SEND Leader will continue in their substantive role while contributing the equivalent of one day a week (40 days across the year) to Whole School SEND. This model enables leaders to bring current, realworld expertise into the national programme while maintaining their ongoing responsibilities within their home organisation. 

This is an opportunity to apply your expertise at regional and national levels, while maintaining your connection to your current school, trust or organisation. 

This role requires flexibility, occasional travel and occasional overnight stays. 

Whole School SEND is an equal opportunities organisation and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. 

A full job description attached, details of other regional roles can be found on our website: https://nasen.org.uk/careers. 

Application process 

To apply for the role, please send your CV along with a short statement that explains why you are interested in the role and your suitability. Please click apply to be taken to our application platform.  

Please note – this is a secondment position from an education setting, you must be located in the geographical region stated on the advert to apply, those not meeting this criteria will not be considered. 

Closing date for applications: Thursday 5th March 2026.  The application period may be closed earlier if sufficient suitable candidates apply.